193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

Do you need a reason to hit the beach?
As much as I love living by the beach, I'm not a volleyball fan. With that said, I do make a point to partake in the annual AVP Tour. Why? It's the beach scene that makes it a great day date idea, especially for a group date. Game tickets are not free, but walking around the vendor booths is! Some cool freebies include tote bags, frisbees, drinks, snacks and more. Afterward, hit the beach and/or local bars (do it early before everything gets packed).

AVP Hermosa Beach
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

For those who do enjoy professional volleyball tournament games, general admission is $20. For the upcoming game in Huntington Beach, buy tickets online now: (a) save 50% for Friday, June 4th, with a discount code AVPBOGO, so it'd be $10 each -OR- (b) save $5 for the rest of the weekend, $15 pp. More discounts may pop up closer to the other tour dates. By the way, sometimes you can watch the warm-up games for free (just look and ask).

The games bounce across the US beaches during summer, but here's the AVP tournament schedule for Southern California:

• June 3-6 Huntington Beach
• July 16-18 Hermosa Beach
• July 24-25 Malibu
• August 19-22 Manhattan Beach
• September 17-19 Hermosa Beach (finals)

However, if you don't like crowds, then you may want to avoid this event. Parking will not be easy, so carpool and come early. In my opinion, the AVP is worth checking out at least once this summer. As always, don't forget your sunblock, towel, hat, sunglasses, camera and whatever you need for fun in the sun. Click HERE for other free and cheap things to do this weekend, June 3-6th.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

185. Free Malibu Beach Safari

Let's go on a Malibu Beach Safari!!
Going to the beach is a not a "special" date idea, especially when one lives by the beach. On the other hand, going on a "Malibu Beach Safari"... now that kicks it up a notch! On Sunday, May 23rd, the LA Urban Rangers will help you discover secret but public beach spots along the 20-mile coastline of Malibu. For FREE, learn how to find, park, walk, picnic and sunbathe legally and safely. The 1.5-hour tours are scheduled for 9 AM, 11:30 AM and 2 PM, but the first one of the day is the best to easily find free street parking. Reservations are not required, but it is first come, first serve and the tours start on time. Click HERE for safari details and directions.

Kenya Safari and beach holiday
Originally uploaded by 1denela

Ever since I learned about this activity last year through @unhipLA (click for blog post & Yelp review), I've been waiting for it start up again this summer. To my dismay (because I am already booked), this Sunday's safaris will be the last ones closing the 3-year project. Nevertheless, I am blogging about it now because it sounds like an awesome cheap (actually, it's free) date idea that YOU can go on and then kiss & tell me about it later (Read: please use comment box below). Then you can come back again as a group date and take your friends to areas other than the overcrowded Zuma and Surfrider.

As with all outdoorsy activities, bring sunblock, bottled water, comfortable clothes, snacks, a beach towel and a camera (optional for kiss and tell). If you miss out on Sunday like I will, click HERE for a free downloadable map to go on your own safari another time.

Disclaimer: The photo used here does not represent Malibu, but it just looked cool for my blog post.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @unhipLA

179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines

Wine + live music = romantic date idea, even a first date idea!
Starting Memorial Weekend, the Summer Live Music is back at the Malibu Wines tasting room! The winery, Malibu Family Wines provides live music for free starting May 28th until October 24th by night (Fri-Sat 7-9 PM) or day (Sat-Sun 1-3 PM). This is definitely something worth checking out at least once in the next 5 months, especially when the weather is perfect for an outdoorsy activity. The property is family-friendly during the day, so the kids and adults can enjoy the mid-day concerts (1-3 PM) on Saturdays and Sundays. After 6 PM, it's adults only for the evening concerts (7-9 PM) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Drink, drink and be merry!
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

My friend took us here last summer since it's her favorite spot and then we were pleasantly surprised (as you can tell by my photo here) by a live band coming onto stage. There is one requirement for admission: a purchase of at least one bottle of wine by each group. That is unless you catch the wine tastings before it ends at 6 PM, however sharing a bottle is more cost-effective. Invite your friends to share a bottle (or two or three) and make it a group date! Bottles range $14-27, so that could be as cheap as $3.50pp on a double date! As for parking, it's free along Mulholland Highway, but carpool and come early as these events get packed. Bring a picnic and a blanket, otherwise some food is available for purchase there and tables are reserved for minimum purchases.

While you're up in Malibu, make it a full day of fun by combining it with one of these other things to do:

• Cheap Date Idea #96: The Getty Villa offers free museum admission but reservations are required.
• Cheap Date Idea #38: Lake Shrine is a beautiful spot for a day date plus it's FREE.
• Cheap Date Idea #10: Point Dume State Beach is a nice beach with lots of activities, including rock climbing.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun!


Approximate cost of creative date idea = $14-27 per bottle.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Miss W., @stephschneider & Derek @malibufmlywines

141. Free Wine Tasting in Malibu - 3/27

A wine tasting + live music = cheap yet classy date!
Malibu Family Wines is hosting a release party at Saddle Rock tomorrow, Saturday, March 27th 3-6 PM. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting of the newly released wine as well as live music. This event is completely free, but reservations are required. Click HERE for more info.

DSC_0374
Originally uploaded by MalibuFamilyWines

When you are done tasting, double the fun and head to Malibu Creek for a FREE sunset concert (see Cheap Date Idea #134). Bring a picnic or pick up take out on the way there. Or click HERE for other cheap date ideas in the Malibu area. Malibu is just a nice quick and easy getaway spot in LA without the cost of a plane ticket. Have a great weekend whatever you do!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DaveNadkarni

134. FREE Acoustic Concert, Malibu Creek - 3/27

Free concert with sunset and starlight = Romantic cheap date!

On Saturday, March 27th, 5:30-8:30 PM, enjoy free acoustic performances by several artists, including Natalie Nicole Gilbert, at Malibu Creek State Park. The outdoor stage will be opened up to the crowd where you are invited to bring an instrument and share a song. To hear music samples, RSVP, and get more info, check out the Facebook event page. Reservations are not required but appreciated. Feel free to invite friends and make it a group date!

nnggrove
Originally uploaded
by Natalie Nicole Gilbert

Malibu Creek State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The address for the park's main gate is 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302. Parking next to the site is $12, or find free parking on Mulholland Drive if you don't mind a 3/4 mile walk.

This spot is great for a day date too! We actually have been here before because I recognized the M*A*S*H site. Yup, this is the film set for the old TV show series, MASH. We plan on going again for more hiking and outdoor rock climbing before the concert. Next time I also want to check out the rest of the park, including Century Lake. For hiking trail maps, camping and other info, click HERE.

Wooden benches surround the outdoor stage and a bonfire will be lit. For your comfort, picnic blankets and lanterns or flashlights would be nice. Based on a 10-day forecast, sunshine is expected with a high of 75, but after sunset at 7:11 PM, the temperature will drop to a low of 47, so bundle up. There will be a break if you want to mix and mingle or break out a picnic for dinner. No alcohol is permitted, but coffee, hot cocoa and tea will be provided. The concert will rap up by 8:30 PM, so that leaves time to continue the fun!

UPDATE 03/24/10: Click HERE for Google Map for easy directions. Thanks, @remywriter!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @NatalieNicole

128. Escondido Waterfalls

Hikes are ok, but waterfall hikes are awesome!

Hiking in California is a day date idea good for anytime, but the best time for hiking with waterfalls is during springtime or "rainy" season. As you can see in the photo on the right here, the Escondido Waterfalls were quite amazing last month. I'm not fond of rain but it does provide 2 good things: waterfalls and rainbows. Unfortunately (depending on how you see it), no rain is expected in the next 10 days in the Malibu area.

the top fall
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Gets

According to Yelp reviewers, this is a 4.2-mile hike round trip at easy-moderate difficulty with half of the trail covered in concrete. That is unless of course you are the adventurous type and want to scramble to the top of the falls. The trail head starts 1 mile from the parking lot and then go left at the first split. Also, don't stop at the first waterfall (50-feet lower fall), because the 150-feet upper waterfall (biggest one of Santa Monica Mountains) is up ahead. Plan to spend at least 2 hours or more here, but I'd make it at least a half-day trip.

I think I have been here a long time ago (there are a few in Santa Monica Mountains), but it was during summertime, so I need to go back again for the waterfalls (hint hint to my man if he is reading my blog). I was originally going to blog about a fellow Tweeter's suggestion, Millard Canyon Falls, but learned that it was closed down until the Fall 2010 due to mudslide damage (future date idea!). I did discover an interesting website that is all about waterfalls, World of Waterfalls. This site covers different parts around the world and even has a section dedicated to Southern California AND a personalized Google Map for local waterfalls (click HERE). If Escondido Falls is not within reach, check out that site for other hiking spots near you.

For maps and reviews of Escondido Falls, here is a list of resources at your fingertips:

• LAMountains.com (see trail map)
• LocalHikes.com
• World of Waterfalls
• Yelp.com

As with all outdoorsy date ideas, make sure to bring sunblock, bottled water, sunglasses, a hat and a camera (that's optional, but how can you not at this panoramic spot?). Obviously, proper shoes would be smart for crossing the creek a few times and trekking through muddy trails during rainy season and. Packing a picnic would be a romantic yet practical thing to do for this date idea. Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

96. The Getty Villa in Malibu

Museums are always a classy idea, even when it's FREE!
If you've enjoyed The Getty Center in Los Angeles (see Cheap Date Idea #32), then you have to check out The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, near Malibu. Of if you simply appreciate architecture and gardens, then this spot is for you. The art is interesting, but I personally love just strolling around the estate weaving in and out of the fancy statues and fountains. The weather was perfect when we went as you can tell by the photo here.

Reflecting Pool, Getty Villa
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The Getty Villa is a great day date idea anytime throughout the year (including Valentine's Day, hint hint) since the museum is open daily 10 AM - 5 PM except Tuesdays. Admission is always free but reservations are required by internet or phone (click ). It's also a good group date idea, but you have to call in for your reservation if more than 15 people. Parking is not cheap ($15), so carpool if you can or take the Metro.

Just like The Getty Center, various free tours are provided at the Getty Villa, so check the schedule online to plan your visit accordingly. I recommend going on the Architecture and Gardens Tour, but you can easily wander about on your own if you prefer. During the month of February at 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (including Valentine's Day), The Villa is offering free Glass-Handling Sessions if glassmaking peaks your interest.

While you are up in this part of town, make it a full day of fun and stop by Lake Shrine for free too (Cheap Date Idea #38).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $15 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine

The Green Lagoon
Originally uploaded by QuinTes

Who would have thought that one could enjoy a tranquil lake with swans, trails, lily ponds, rose gardens, waterfalls and a Dutch Windmill without having to leave Los Angeles? Lake Shrine can be your secret spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city! Actually, this place was loved by the King himself, Elvis Presley. Another tidbit: Gandhi's ashes are stored here near the landmark, the Golden Lotus Archway. Needless to say, bring your camera.

This 10-acre outdoor oasis is tucked away in...

10. Adventures at Point Dume Beach

As a California State Park, Point Dume in Malibu offers a variety of options for activities at one location: rock climbing (Level 5.9 and easier according to this website), easy hiking, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, tide pool viewing, and more. In the north end of Santa Monica Bay, nothing beats the panoramic view from the top of the bluff. No eateries are available on this beach, so bring a blanket or towel and pack yourself a nice picnic, but there are several tasty seafood restaurants along the scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway. Unless you are lucky to find a spot along the beach for free, general parking is $7 per car. Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $7 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map